Kenya (KE)
Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.
Driving in Kenya
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Kenya drives on the LEFT. Roads in Nairobi and major cities are generally paved but can be severely damaged by traffic and rains, with potholes a constant hazard. Traffic congestion in Nairobi is among the worst in Africa — plan journeys with ample time. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulates all road transport and licensing. Kenya has one of the highest road fatality rates in Africa — drive defensively, avoid night driving on rural roads, and always wear a seatbelt.
Driving Licence Exchange
Expats can drive in Kenya on a foreign licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) for the first 90 days. After 90 days, a Kenyan driving licence is required. Licence exchange (for holders of licences from most countries) involves a knowledge test at NTSA — no driving test required for experienced drivers. Apply via eCitizen (ecitizen.go.ke) or at NTSA offices.
Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo
East African Community (EAC) member-state licences are mutually recognised under the EAC Mutual Recognition Framework. Present your home EAC licence + Alien Card/residence permit + KRA PIN + passport photos at an NTSA office. Written Highway Code test required. Licence issued within 3–14 days. No practical test required.
EAC licences are recognised in principle but the NTSA Highway Code test is still typically required. Carry your home EAC licence and an IDP during the first 90 days.
EU licences carry no automatic reciprocity in Kenya. For the first 90 days: valid EU licence + IDP (recommended) accepted. For residents: apply at NTSA with your valid EU licence, Alien Card, KRA PIN, and passport photos. Pass the written Highway Code test. No practical driving test required for experienced drivers. Licence issued within 3–14 days.
Bring a certified English translation of your EU licence if it is not in English. NTSA offices in Nairobi (Upper Hill), Mombasa, Kisumu, and major towns.
Present valid foreign licence + IDP + Alien Card + KRA PIN + passport photos at any NTSA office. Pass a written Highway Code test — study the Kenya Highway Code before attending. No practical driving test required if your foreign licence is valid and you have prior driving experience. Licence issued within 3–14 days.
IDP must accompany your foreign national licence during the first 90 days. After that, the Kenyan licence is required. Motorcycle licence (Class G) requires separate endorsement.
Road Rules
Urban areas: 50 km/h. Open roads/highways: 100 km/h. School zones: 30 km/h. NTSA speed cameras are active on major routes (Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Nakuru Highway). Speed governors are mandatory on commercial vehicles and public service vehicles.
0.08 g/100ml blood alcohol (same as UK). Breathalyser tests conducted at roadblocks. Penalty: fine of KES 100,000+ and/or licence suspension and/or imprisonment. Do not drink and drive.
Mobile phones while driving prohibited without hands-free. Penalty: KES 5,000–10,000 fine or court summons. NTSA enforcement has increased significantly with roadblock checks.
Mandatory for all occupants front and rear. Fine: KES 500 per person not wearing seatbelt (driver liable). Child seats required for children under 8 years.
Children under 8 years must be in an appropriate child safety seat. Children under 3 must be in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. Children 3–8 in a booster seat. Fine for non-compliance: KES 5,000.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
NTSA issues traffic fines through an online system (ntsa.go.ke). Fines can be paid via M-Pesa paybill 209200. Traffic offences can also result in demerit points on your licence, leading to suspension. Court summons issued for serious offences.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1–10 km/h over) | KES 5,000 | — |
| Speeding (10–20 km/h over) | KES 10,000 | — |
| Speeding (20+ km/h over) | KES 50,000 + court summons | — |
| Mobile phone while driving | KES 5,000–10,000 | — |
| No seatbelt (per person) | KES 500 | — |
| Drunk driving | KES 100,000+ / imprisonment | — |
| No driving licence | KES 10,000 | — |
| Failure to stop at police checkpoint | KES 20,000 | — |
| Overloading a vehicle | KES 5,000–30,000 | — |
Buying a Car
Kenya has a large secondhand (used) car market, primarily Japanese imports (Toyota is dominant — Corolla, Land Cruiser, Prado, Hilux). New cars available from authorised dealers. Most expats buy used Japanese-imported vehicles from dealers in Industrial Area, Ngong Road, or Mombasa. Importing your own vehicle is possible but complex (IDF, pre-shipment inspection, KEBS standards).
- 1.Set your budget — factor in purchase price, insurance (KES 25,000–100,000/year), and fuel costs
- 2.Research models: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (KES 2.5M–6M), Toyota Vitz/Yaris (KES 700K–1.2M), Subaru Forester (KES 1M–2M), Toyota Hilux pickup (KES 1.5M–4M)
- 3.Use trusted dealers or buy from known individuals — avoid buying from strangers at markets
- 4.Inspect the vehicle (or use a trusted mechanic for inspection) — check the chassis number against the logbook
- 5.Search the NTSA portal (ntsa.go.ke/vehicle-search) to verify ownership history, any encumbrances, or outstanding loans
- 6.Complete transfer of ownership at NTSA — both buyer and seller present at NTSA office with logbook, IDs, and sale agreement
- 7.Register comprehensive motor insurance before driving away
- 8.Pay transfer fees at KRA (stamp duty) and NTSA
- •Verify logbook (vehicle registration) matches vehicle chassis/engine number
- •Check NTSA database for encumbrances (outstanding loans, stolen status)
- •Confirm the seller is the registered owner or has authorisation to sell
- •Check vehicle inspection (inspection sticker) is current
- •Test the vehicle or have a trusted mechanic inspect before purchase
Used Toyota Vitz/Yaris: KES 700,000–1,200,000. Toyota Prado/Landcruiser (medium spec): KES 2,500,000–6,000,000. Transfer fee: KES 2,000–5,000. Comprehensive insurance: KES 25,000–100,000/year. Annual road licence (sticker): KES 500–5,000 depending on vehicle class.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
All vehicles must be registered with NTSA. Registration is tied to the logbook (V5 equivalent). When you purchase a vehicle, transfer of ownership must be completed at NTSA within 30 days. Annual road licence (sticker) must be displayed on the windscreen — purchase at Kenya Revenue Authority offices or authorised agents. Annual vehicle inspection (motor vehicle inspection) required — done at NTSA inspection units.
Third-party motor insurance is mandatory under the Traffic Act Cap 403. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Insurance cover note must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Fine for driving without insurance: KES 100,000 or 3 months imprisonment.
Annual road licence fee payable to NTSA — varies by vehicle class (KES 500–5,000). Excise duty and VAT on new vehicle purchases. No annual vehicle property tax beyond road licence. Import duty on vehicles brought from outside EAC: up to 35% CIF + 20% VAT.
Annual motor vehicle inspection required at NTSA inspection centres. Inspection covers lights, brakes, tyres, steering, and safety equipment. Certificate of inspection ("road worthiness") issued. Without valid inspection sticker, vehicle cannot be licensed. Inspection fee: KES 1,000–3,000 depending on vehicle class.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure in Nairobi is extremely limited — there are few dedicated cycle lanes, and roads are shared with aggressive matatu and truck drivers. Not recommended for commuting in the city unless you are experienced in heavy traffic and take significant safety precautions. Popular for sport and recreation in controlled environments.
- •Cyclists are required to use the leftmost lane
- •No cycling on expressways or highways
- •Lights and reflectors required for night cycling (rarely enforced but important for safety)
- •Helmets not legally required but strongly recommended
- •Karura Forest (Nairobi) has excellent mountain bike trails — KES 300 entry fee, dedicated cycling paths, safe environment
- •Cycling groups (e.g., Yellow Jersey Kenya, Nairobi Cycling Club) organise weekend rides on quieter roads
- •For city riding: use side streets (not main arteries), ride early morning (5–7am) before traffic builds
- •A bright helmet, reflective vest, and front/rear lights are minimum safety requirements